The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released the draught Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 in an effort to replace rules controlling the telecom industry from the British era.

The Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 will combine and alter the current laws controlling spectrum allocation, telecommunication service provision, development, expansion, and operation, as well as telecom networks and infrastructure.

The Indian Telegraph Act 1885, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933, and The Telegraph Wires, (Unlawful Protection) Act 1950, three independent laws that regulate the telecommunications industry, are combined into the draught Bill.

One of the most significant changes is the addition of modern over-the-top messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to the list of communications services.

According to the draught law, telecom service providers will be subject to the same regulations as other telecom operators and fall under the licencing regime.

Source: Indian Express